Here is how you can enjoy your Eid holidays
THIS HEAT IS unrelenting (is it us or is it worse this year?) and we have a few days off coming up. Excited to get away? That's right, as ever, as soon as there's even the whiff of time off in the air, we're scouring the papers and sites for any great deals. The trouble is, so is everyone else. Around this time, flight prices tend to be jacked up due to the increase in demand, so we thought we'd look more local than international for a couple of days to cool off.
1) Brunch and stay
The Nikki Beach Hotel & Resort has a deal which includes a special room, breakfast and brunch package starting from Dhs1100 for two people. The renowned Saint Tropez Friday brunch will be bigger and better than ever, boasting the sophisticated style of Côte d'Azur, perfect for those craving a cool poolside vibe alongside great food and electric atmosphere, from 1pm to 4pm at Café Nikki.
2) Holiday ahoy!
It's a British icon and one of the most unique establishments in which to stay in Dubai. The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) has introduced a 'leave the wallet at home' concept with a selection of all-inclusive Eid Al Adha packages. In addition to a night's stay on board you can take advantage of food and beverage experiences - including a special Eid Brunch on Thursday, August 23 and Friday, August 24. Then there's the All On Board package where you enjoy a daily buffet breakfast, lunch or Eid Brunch and dinner in the Lido restaurant - as well as free-flowing house beverages from The Golden Lion, the Yacht Club or Lido throughout your stay. Packages start from Dhs1499.
3) Island life
Anantara's collection of luxury hotels and resorts across the Emirates are stunning and the Desert Islands Resort is the perfect resort to surrender to the fascination of nature in a desert island sanctuary. The resort offers a perfect getaway for families with up to two children, enjoying full board dining and a choice of unforgettable activities starting from Dhs1450.
4) Gulf views
With cracking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Eye, anyone who stays at the Rixos Premium Dubai between August 20 - 31 in any room category will receive a complimentary upgrade to half board plus an upgrade to next room category, a Dhs100 voucher for Natureland Spa and complimentary shuttle transfers to Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates for a hassle-free festive shopping.
5) Shop and drop
If you want to stay in one place all Eid, this one's good. The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates' package includes a night's stay at the hotel as well as access to Magic Planet and Ski Dubai along with the complimentary use of Majid Al Futtaim's Hands Free Shopping Service at Mall of the Emirates. The longer you stay, the better the offer.
6) Let's get bizzy
A relaxing time awaits you at the Canal Central Hotel in Business Bay. Pay Dhs599 for a two-night stay in a Superior Room with breakfast. Only a few minutes away from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains, each of Canal Central's 280 rooms and suites offer views of the Dubai Canal or Burj Khalifa.
7) Capital gains
Book a suite for two adults and up to three children below 18 years at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi and you can enjoy an additional complimentary room, daily breakfast buffets for all and a discount of 25 per cent on spa treatments. The Suite Stay for Families package starts from Dhs2050 per night.
8) Homegrown brand
Have a peek around jumeirah.com and with the 90 Ways To Summer promotion you can pick up some bargains. We love the Al Qasr as a palatial stay, but then there are resorts and properties dotted all over town for you to enjoy. Book a treatment at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray's spa and you can cool down in the snow room!
9) Stay Dowtown
A welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Manzil Downtown, offers the best of both worlds - the comforts and convenience of modern life and simply authentic Arabian hospitality. Book your perfect getaway in a place that feels like home away from home. Stay for a minimum of two nights in the heart of the city to enjoy 10 per cent off the best available room rate. Enjoy up to 35 per cent off when you stay for five nights or more at one of the hotel's luxury suites. What's more, U By Emaar members get additional Upoints for every stay.
10) Back to RAK
Hilton's Summer Sale is now available, offering up to 25 per cent off over 400 properties around the world until September 3. Save on hotel stays across the entire portfolio of Hilton brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Curio Collection by Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Stay in Ras Al Kahimah from Dhs451 per night. The DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has savings of up to 25 per cent for a standard room.
Crazy Eid deals for under Dhs300 on Skyscanner.ae (Aug 20-22)
DUBAI
2-star
> Al Jawhara Metro Hotel - Dhs204
> Crystal Plaza Hotel - Dhs224
3-star
> Panorama Grand - Dhs199
> Fortune Diera Hotel - Dhs207
4-star
> Ramee Royal Hotel - Dhs263
> Fortune Grand Hotel - Dhs269
> Al Jawhara Gardens Hotel - Dhs281
ABU DHABI
3-star
> Kingsgate Hotel by Millennium Dhs231
4-star
> City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel - Dhs293
> Al Diar Capital Hotel - Dhs295
SHARJAH
3-star
> Citymax Sharjah - Dhs198
> Royal Hotel - Dhs231
4-star
> Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah - Dhs286